Use Assisi as your base in Italy for a balanced visit

 

I'm a big believer that a successful trip to Italy is a balanced trip - maybe after doing it wrong so many times, and then planning it right so many times. The first time I went to Assisi was on a school trip; my principal knew I was having tough time acclimating to my new home, so invited me on all the class trips that year. Pro: I saw a lot of Italy. Con: I didn't know anyone in most of the other classes, so the first few days were lonely until I found my compagnia. In Assisi in particular I remember going from church to church with the Art History teacher, feeling both appreciative and overwhelmed at the sheer quantity of incredible art.

Using Assisi as a base means you can spread out its art & architecture, therefore absorb and remember more of it. But not coming in as a day tripper also means you'll experience the medieval hill town atmosphere that sets in after the tour buses leave every evening. Here's how I'd do it:

• Visit one Assisi church a day. If you had just one day in Assisi, you'd either have to hit five churches or miss some significant art & architecture (and some will argue that limiting yourself to five is already missing some significant ones). So spread them out, and spend an hour or so each at the Cathedral of San Rufino, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Santa Chiara, and San Damiano. Allow at least half a day for the upper and lower Basilicas of San Francesco (St. Frances). Check here for opening hours of churches, and research the art in San Francesco before you go.

• Do a cooking class.

• Explore medieval Umbrian hilltowns. After your morning church visit, hit the road to explore the Umbrian countryside. Visit Perugia, Gubbio, Spoleto, Todi, Orvieto - or to get more off the beaten track, go to Trevi or Montefalco. Check on when local markets and festivals are held because they're worth prioritizing if they coincide with your visit.

• Visit a winery.

• And of course, work in these five best things to do in Italy, regardless of your itinerary.
  

Photo of San Francesco by Kevin Day at Tanager Photography. Thanks to James Siddall Jr of the Italy Photo Contest for the great link to the art in the Basilica of San Francesco.

 

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Comments

[Michelle]

I'd love to visit that area; it looks so lovely :)

[Madeline]

It's beautiful isn't it! You're not far away either... :)

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